Free Riga Travel Guide & Mobile App

Plan your Riga trip with Evendo. Get free guides to top attractions, restaurants, hotels, and bars. Web access or download the mobile app.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play Download the Free PDF guide
Riga
Riga photo 2
Riga photo 3
All photos

Riga, Latvia blends Art Nouveau architecture, medieval Old Town streets, Baltic history, museums, markets and lively cultural experiences by the Daugava.

Medieval Core and Monumental Boulevards

Riga is Latvia’s capital and the largest city in the Baltic states, set on the lower Daugava River near the Gulf of Riga. Its historic centre gathers medieval lanes, guild halls and church spires within a compact area, while the surrounding boulevards open into one of Europe’s finest concentrations of Art Nouveau architecture. Alberta iela and the streets around the Quiet Centre reveal ornate façades shaped by Riga’s early twentieth-century prosperity, with sculpted masks, geometric ornament and elaborate stonework competing for attention.
Read more about Riga

A City Shaped by Trade and Change

Founded in 1201, Riga grew as a port and trading city, linking the eastern Baltic with northern Europe. German merchant influence, Swedish rule, the Russian Empire and Latvian independence have all left visible traces in its buildings, institutions and cultural life. Riga Cathedral, St Peter’s Church, the House of the Blackheads and the medieval Town Hall Square stand alongside the Freedom Monument and the Latvian National Opera, reflecting different chapters of the city’s development.

Markets, Museums and Riverside Life

Away from the Old Town, Riga’s character is found in neighbourhood cafés, converted warehouses, wooden houses and cultural venues. The vast Central Market occupies former Zeppelin hangars beside the railway station, while the Latvian National Museum of Art and the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia offer contrasting perspectives on the country’s artistic and political past. Parks and canal paths soften the urban centre, and the Daugava waterfront provides broad views across a city where Baltic history remains closely connected to contemporary Latvian life.

When is the best time to visit Riga?

Best: June–August · 23–24°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January019
February014
March412
April1119
May1828
June (best)2352
July (best)2457
August (best)2352
September1846
October1335
November625
December222

Getting to and around Riga

How to get there

Riga International Airport, west of the city centre, is Latvia’s principal air gateway and is connected with central Riga by public transport and taxis. Riga is also linked by international coaches with cities across the Baltic region and beyond, while domestic and regional rail services operate from Riga Central Station. Rail connections are useful for destinations within Latvia, although timetables and routes should be checked before departure. Long-distance buses are often practical for journeys to Tallinn and Vilnius. The city is accessible by road from Estonia, Lithuania and eastern Latvia, and Riga Passenger Port handles some ferry and cruise traffic, though services vary by season and operator.

Transportation

Riga’s Old Town, central boulevards and Art Nouveau district are generally manageable on foot, although cobbles can be uneven and winter weather may make walking slower. Rīgas satiksme operates buses, trams and trolleybuses across the city, with electronic tickets and other approved ticket types available through official channels. Taxis and app-based cars are useful for airport journeys or late-night travel; check the fare method before setting off. Cycling is possible on quieter streets and cycle routes, but traffic and cobbles require care. A car is rarely necessary for central sightseeing, where parking can be limited and some streets have restrictions.

Best attractions in Riga

Riga’s principal attractions can be explored across a compact central area, beginning with the medieval Old Town and its narrow streets, Town Hall Square and the House of the Blackheads. The viewing platform at St Peter’s Church offers a broad perspective over the historic roofscape and the Daugava, while Riga Cathedral introduces the city’s long ecclesiastical history. Beyond the old walls, the Latvian National Museum of Art displays major works from Latvia and the wider region, and the Art Nouveau Museum recreates an apartment interior in the district for which Riga is especially known. Riga Central Market, housed partly in former Zeppelin hangars, brings together food stalls and everyday commerce. The Museum of the Occupation of Latvia and the Latvian National History Museum provide essential context, while Bastejkalns Park, the canal and Esplanāde offer open space between cultural visits.

Show more attractions

Best landmarks in Riga

Riga’s landmarks record the city’s changing religious, commercial and national identities. Riga Cathedral, founded in the medieval period, anchors the old ecclesiastical centre, while St Peter’s Church is recognised by its tall tower and long association with the city skyline. The House of the Blackheads on Town Hall Square preserves the name of a historic brotherhood of unmarried merchants, although the present building is a reconstruction based on earlier forms. The Freedom Monument, completed in 1935, commemorates Latvian independence and remains a focus for national ceremonies. Alberta iela and Elizabetes iela form an architectural landmark in their own right, with dense Art Nouveau façades by architects including Mikhail Eisenstein. Riga Castle beside the Daugava represents the city’s political history and serves as the residence of Latvia’s president.

Show more landmarks

Explore Riga on the map

Plan your Riga trip on one map. See where the top attractions, landmarks, restaurants, bars and hotels are, find what's near where you're staying, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Neighbourhoods in Riga

Best restaurants in Riga

Riga’s food culture combines Latvian rural traditions, Baltic ingredients and influences acquired through centuries of trade and migration. Rye bread, grey peas with speck, potatoes, seasonal mushrooms, berries, dairy products and smoked or pickled fish appear in traditional cooking, while sklandrausis, a small rye pastry filled with potato and carrot, is a distinctive Latvian speciality. Riga Central Market is an important place to see these ingredients in their everyday setting, alongside bakeries, delicatessens and prepared foods. In the Old Town and central districts, restaurants reinterpret local recipes in contemporary forms, while cafés and bakeries provide a relaxed way to sample dark bread, pastries and coffee. Āgenskalns Market adds a neighbourhood perspective, and the city’s broader dining scene includes modern Baltic cooking, international restaurants and modest canteens shaped by Riga’s cosmopolitan population.

Show more restaurants

Best bars in Riga

Riga’s evening scene is concentrated around the Old Town and extends into the centre, where historic cellars, cocktail bars, beer venues and live-music spaces occupy former trading and residential buildings. The Old Town tends to be busiest at night, with a mixture of casual bars and clubs, while streets around Miera iela have a more local, creative atmosphere with independent venues and cultural events. Riga’s nightlife is not limited to clubbing: the Latvian National Opera and Ballet, concert halls and theatre offer formal evening entertainment, and small venues present jazz, contemporary music and local performances. Craft beer and spirits are prominent, but visitors should follow normal city precautions around crowded late-night areas. Seasonal concerts and cultural programmes can also bring activity to parks, courtyards and former industrial spaces.

Show more bars

Best nightclubs in Riga

Riga’s evening scene is concentrated around the Old Town and extends into the centre, where historic cellars, cocktail bars, beer venues and live-music spaces occupy former trading and residential buildings. The Old Town tends to be busiest at night, with a mixture of casual bars and clubs, while streets around Miera iela have a more local, creative atmosphere with independent venues and cultural events. Riga’s nightlife is not limited to clubbing: the Latvian National Opera and Ballet, concert halls and theatre offer formal evening entertainment, and small venues present jazz, contemporary music and local performances. Craft beer and spirits are prominent, but visitors should follow normal city precautions around crowded late-night areas. Seasonal concerts and cultural programmes can also bring activity to parks, courtyards and former industrial spaces.

Show more nightclubs

Best shops in Riga

Riga’s most distinctive shopping experience is Riga Central Market, where pavilions and surrounding stalls sell vegetables, dairy products, rye bread, fish, meat, preserves and other Latvian foods. The Old Town provides souvenir shops, amber jewellery, design products and small specialist retailers, though quality and provenance vary, so locally made goods are worth seeking out. Central streets around Brīvības iela and the Quiet Centre contain fashion shops, bookshops, cafés and independent design studios, while larger contemporary retail centres are available outside the medieval core. Āgenskalns Market offers food, crafts and community-oriented retail in a neighbourhood setting. Visitors interested in Latvian design can look for linen goods, ceramics, woodwork and woollen textiles, choosing makers who clearly identify the origin of their products.

Show more shops

Get your free copy of our complete guide to Riga, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from attractions and restaurants to essentials and local phrases, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

By clicking Create account, you accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Riga essentials

Currency and Payment
Latvia uses the euro (€), and prices are generally displayed in euros. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in hotels, museums, restaurants, supermarkets and many shops, although smaller market stalls, kiosks and independent businesses may prefer cash or have a minimum card amount. ATMs are available throughout the centre and at transport hubs; use machines operated by established banks where possible and choose to be charged in euros rather than accepting an unfamiliar dynamic-conversion rate. Keep some small notes and coins for occasional purchases, public conveniences and vendors at Riga Central Market.
Safety
Riga is suitable for normal urban travel precautions, particularly around busy transport hubs, nightlife areas and crowded parts of the Old Town. Keep phones, wallets and bags secure, and take extra care in crowded markets and on public transport. At night, use well-lit streets and recognised taxis or reputable ride-hailing services rather than accepting unsolicited transport. Winter conditions can create slippery pavements, while cobbled streets require sensible footwear. Check taxi fares and payment arrangements before travelling, and take care around the Daugava waterfront and unfamiliar areas after dark.
Emergency Situations
Latvia’s unified emergency number is 112, which connects callers with the appropriate emergency service, including police, fire and rescue, or medical assistance. Police can also be reached on 110, ambulance services on 113, and the State Fire and Rescue Service on 114. Give the operator the exact location, explain the nature of the emergency and state whether language assistance is needed. For less urgent medical concerns, pharmacies and local healthcare services can advise on appropriate care, but serious injury or sudden illness should be reported through the emergency system. Carry identification and relevant travel-insurance details.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress respectfully when entering churches and religious buildings, and observe any photography restrictions in museums or memorial sites. Keep voices moderate in places of worship and avoid climbing on monuments or historic structures. In restaurants, tipping is discretionary rather than compulsory, but rounding up or leaving a modest amount for good service is customary. Validate public-transport tickets according to the system in use and follow staff instructions. Latvia’s history of occupation, war and independence remains sensitive, so discuss it carefully and avoid treating memorials or museums as backdrops for disruptive behaviour. Do not assume that Latvian and Russian identities are interchangeable.
Local Tips
Riga’s centre is easiest to understand as a sequence of contrasting areas: the medieval Old Town, the canal parks, the Art Nouveau Quiet Centre and the market district close to the railway station. The Central Market is most rewarding when approached as a working food market rather than only a tourist attraction. For a quieter architectural walk, explore the wooden houses and local cafés of Āgenskalns across the Daugava. Museums often provide useful context for Latvia’s twentieth-century history, while summer evenings suit canal-side walks and open-air cultural events. In winter, allow extra time for snow, ice and limited daylight.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloSveiki[svay-kee]
GoodbyeUz redzēšanos[ooz red-zay-sha-nohs]
YesJā[yah]
NoNē[nay]
Please/You're welcomeLūdzu[loo-dzoo]
Thank youPaldies[pahl-dyehs]
Excuse me/SorryAtvainojiet[aht-vai-noh-yet]
How are you?Kā jums klājas?[kaa yooms klaa-yas]
Fine. And you?Labi. Un jūs?[lah-bee oon yoos]
Do you speak English?Vai jūs runājat angļu valodā?[vai yoos roo-naa-yat ahng-loo va-loh-daa]
I don't understandEs nesaprotu[es ne-sah-proh-too]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseEs vēlētos redzēt ēdienkarti, lūdzu[es vee-leh-tohs red-zayt ay-dyehn-kahr-tee, loo-dzoo]
I don't eat meatEs neēdu gaļu[es nee-ay-doo gah-loo]
Cheers!Priekā![pree-eh-kaa]
I would like to pay, pleaseEs vēlētos samaksāt, lūdzu[es vee-leh-tohs sah-mah-ksaat, loo-dzoo]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Palīdzība![pah-lee-dzee-ba]
Go away!Aiziet prom![ai-zee-et prohm]
Call the Police!Zvaniet policiju![zvah-nyet poh-lee-tsee-yoo]
Call a doctor!Zvaniet ārstu![zvah-nyet aar-stoo]
I'm lostEs esmu pazudis/pazudusi[es es-moo pah-zoo-dees/pah-zoo-doo-see]
I'm illMan ir slikti[mahn eer slihk-tee]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Es vēlētos nopirkt...[es vee-leh-tohs noh-peerkt]
I'm just lookingEs tikai skatos[es tee-kai ska-tohs]
How much is it?Cik tas maksā?[tsik tahs mahk-saa]
That's too expensiveTas ir pārāk dārgi[tahs eer paa-raak daahr-gi]
Can you lower the price?Vai jūs varat pazemināt cenu?[vai yoos vah-raht pah-zeh-mee-naat tseh-noo]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Cik ir pulkstenis?[tsik eer poolk-steh-nees]
It's one o'clockIr viens (pulkstenis)[eer vye-ehns (poolk-steh-nees)]
Half past (10)Pusdesmit[poos-deh-smiht]
MorningRīts[reets]
AfternoonPēcpusdienā[pehch-poos-dyeh-naa]
EveningVakars[vah-kahrs]
YesterdayVakar[vah-kahr]
TodayŠodien[shoh-dyehn]
TomorrowRīt[reet]
1Viena[vyeh-na]
2Divi[dee-vee]
3Trīs[trees]
4Četri[chay-tree]
5Pieci[pyeh-tsee]
6Seši[seh-shi]
7Septiņi[sehp-tee-nyi]
8Astoņi[ahs-tuh-nyi]
9Deviņi[dehv-nyi]
10Desmit[deh-smiht]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Kur ir...?[koor eer]
What's the address?Kāda ir adrese?[kaa-da eer ah-dreh-seh]
Can you show me (on the map)?Vai jūs varat mani parādīt (uz kartes)?[vai yoos vah-raht mah-nee pah-raa-deet oos kar-tehs]
When's the next (bus)?Kad būs nākamais (autobuss)?[kahd boos nah-kah-mah-ees (ow-toh-boos)]
A ticket (to ....)Biļete (uz ....)[bih-lyeh-teh (oos)]

History of Riga

Founding beside the Daugava

Riga’s origins lie in the trading settlement that developed beside the Daugava River and its established routes towards the Baltic Sea. In 1201, Bishop Albert of Riga founded the city as a base for the Christian mission in Livonia, an area inhabited by several Baltic and Finnic peoples. A bishopric, cathedral and fortified settlement followed, while merchants and craftsmen were drawn to the growing port. Riga’s position connected river routes from the interior with maritime trade, giving it an importance that exceeded its modest early size. The medieval street plan, cathedral precinct and sections of the old defensive area still express the city’s emergence as a religious, commercial and political centre.

Hanseatic Trade and Medieval Riga

During the Middle Ages, Riga became a member of the Hanseatic League, the northern European trading network that linked Baltic ports with cities such as Lübeck and Novgorod. German-speaking merchants and guilds held considerable influence, and the city exported goods from its hinterland while importing salt, cloth, metals and other commodities. The merchant Great Guild and the craftsmen’s Small Guild shaped civic life, while Riga Cathedral and St Peter’s Church dominated the skyline. Rivalry between the archbishop, the city council and the Livonian Order repeatedly affected local politics. Despite conflict and fire, the walled town expanded its commercial institutions, many of which are echoed in the Old Town’s surviving squares and buildings.

Swedish Rule and Imperial Transition

Riga passed to Swedish control in 1621 during the Swedish-Polish War, and the period is often associated with administrative reforms and a more centralised government. The city remained an important Baltic port, though warfare continued to shape its fortunes. In 1710, during the Great Northern War, Riga capitulated to the forces of Peter the Great and became part of the Russian Empire. Its strategic position then supported imperial military and commercial interests. Fortifications were altered and later dismantled as the city expanded beyond the medieval walls. The relationship between Riga’s German-speaking urban elite, Latvian-speaking population and imperial authorities remained an important element of its social history.

Industrial Growth and Art Nouveau

The nineteenth century brought rapid population growth, industrialisation and the removal of Riga’s old fortifications, allowing new boulevards and suburbs to develop. Rail connections and port facilities strengthened the city’s economic role, while factories attracted workers from across the region. By the beginning of the twentieth century, Riga had become a prosperous and architecturally ambitious city. Art Nouveau, known locally as Jugendstil, transformed districts beyond the medieval centre, particularly around Alberta iela, Elizabetes iela and the Quiet Centre. Latvian national consciousness also grew through education, publishing, music and civic movements, challenging the older dominance of German and Russian institutions.

Independence and Interwar Riga

Latvia declared independence in 1918 amid the upheavals that followed the First World War and the collapse of the Russian Empire. Riga became the capital of the new republic, whose institutions consolidated during the interwar period. The Freedom Monument, unveiled in 1935, expressed the country’s independence and remains one of the city’s central civic symbols. The period also saw the development of Latvian cultural institutions, modernist architecture and a stronger public role for the Latvian language. Political life changed sharply after the 1934 authoritarian coup led by Kārlis Ulmanis, but the interwar era continued to shape Riga’s national identity and urban appearance.

Occupation, War and Soviet Rule

Riga endured successive occupations during the Second World War. The Soviet occupation began in 1940, Germany occupied Latvia from 1941 to 1944, and Soviet rule was restored as the Red Army advanced westwards. Latvia’s Jewish community suffered catastrophic persecution and murder during the Holocaust, while deportations and political repression affected many other residents. After the war, Riga was incorporated into the Soviet Union and became a major industrial and administrative centre. Immigration from other Soviet republics changed the city’s population, and new housing districts spread beyond the historic core. The Museum of the Occupation of Latvia and the Riga Ghetto and Latvian Holocaust Museum address parts of this difficult history.

Restored Independence and Contemporary Riga

Latvia restored its independence in 1991 during the dissolution of the Soviet Union, and Riga resumed its role as the country’s political, cultural and economic capital. Historic buildings were repaired, the Old Town was carefully renewed and international attention grew after Riga’s historic centre was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997 for its medieval fabric and exceptional Art Nouveau architecture. The city has since developed a varied cultural scene, with museums, performing arts, design studios and renovated industrial spaces alongside inherited Soviet-era districts. Contemporary Riga continues to negotiate its layered Latvian, German, Russian and wider Baltic histories rather than presenting a single, uninterrupted urban story.

Riga in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

0 / 0

Cities near Riga

The closest cities to Riga, if you have time for more than one stop.

Explore more

Latvia
More of the region

Explore more of Latvia

Explore Latvia: A Baltic treasure with rich history, stunning landscapes, vibrant festivals, and warm hospitality. Discover Riga's charm and Latvia's natural beauty.

Explore Latvia
The Evendo app on two phones

Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Riga, Latvia

Discover Riga with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide. Explore attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, restaurants, and more to make the most of your trip.

  • Detailed information on landmarks, attractions, and experiences
  • Rich images and descriptions
  • Local tips and curated experiences
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
More about the Evendo app

Unlock the secrets of Riga with Evendo, your all-in-one travel guide. From landmarks to nightlife, experience the city like a local with our free, comprehensive app.

  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, and tickets
  • Comprehensive maps and contact details
  • History of Riga and travel essentials
  • 'Near Me' feature for nearby attractions
  • User-friendly navigation
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases

Welcome to Riga, Latvia's vibrant capital, where history meets modernity. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, Evendo is here to enhance your journey. Our app offers detailed information on Riga's top attractions, including the stunning Riga Cathedral and the historic House of the Blackheads. Navigate through the charming Old Town, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and discover hidden gems like the Art Nouveau district.

When it comes to dining, Evendo has got you covered. Savor traditional Latvian cuisine at restaurants like Folkklubs Ala Pagrabs, or enjoy fine dining at Vincents. For nightlife enthusiasts, explore popular bars and nightclubs such as Skyline Bar for a panoramic view of the city.

Evendo makes it easy to plan your stay with comprehensive details on hotels, tours, and unique experiences. Book your accommodations or reserve a guided tour with just a few taps. Our local tips and curated experiences ensure you get the most out of your visit.

With features like the 'Near Me' option, you can effortlessly find attractions and amenities close to your current location. Detailed maps, images, and contact information make navigating Riga a breeze. Plus, our app is 100% free with no hidden costs, making it an essential companion for every traveler.

Get the latest from Evendo

Hand-picked travel deals, new destination guides and trip ideas, straight to your inbox.